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France have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Paraguay 1-0, thanks to a 70th-minute penalty from Kylian Mbappé. Unlike their previous meetings, Les Bleus had to grind out the result, with Paraguay’s Albirroja adopting a deep and compact defensive setup to blunt the attacking options available to Didier Deschamps. Mbappé revealed that he was fully prepared for such a challenge.

“We knew exactly what kind of match it would be,” the French captain told M6. “We proved that we’re not just a side that plays attractive attacking football. If we have to get our hands dirty, we’ll do it.”

The Paris Saint-Germain forward went on to highlight that France demonstrated their ability to play what he described as “dirty football”, showing superiority even in that less glamorous aspect of the game. “They thought we’d turn up dressed in tuxedos, playing fancy football with one-twos and all that. But that’s just their style,” Mbappé remarked confidently.

France’s gritty display ensured their place among the final eight, as they continue their quest for another World Cup title under Deschamps’ leadership.